Samarkand, Sep 16 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi met at the sidelines of the 22nd meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO.

This was their first meeting since President Raisi assumed office in 2021 and the two leaders discussed many important issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship, and expressed their desire for strengthening the relationship further.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India-Iran bilateral ties are marked by historic and civilisational connections, including strong people-to-people contacts.

The two leaders reviewed the progress in the development of the Shahid Behesti terminal, Chabahar Port and underscored the importance of bilateral cooperation in the field of regional connectivity.

The two leaders also discussed international and regional developments including Afghanistan. The Prime Minister reiterated India's priorities of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and the need for a representative and inclusive political dispensation in support of a peaceful, stable and secure Afghanistan.

President Raisi briefed the Prime Minister on the status of the JCPOA negotiations.

The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Raisi to visit India at his earliest convenience.